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Is Your Teen Ready to Drive?
Adolescent Pre-Driving Skills and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
With the ultimate goal of driving, teens can work to master basic life skills and transition forward through these pathways to establish a strong foundation of independence and safety. Teens will start in one of four pathways to build on their current skill set.
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Pathway 1: Basic Life Skills
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Your teen may be appropriate for this pathway if:
- they have a hard time with impulse control and managing frustration.
- they have difficulty filtering distractions in the environment.
- they need a lot of reminders for self-care and grooming.
- their motor and coordination skills impact function.
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Pathway 2: Complex Life Skills
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This pathway provides specific information and education on new life skills when considering driver's education, while also giving teens and caregivers information on the next developmental milestones for teen life and possible modifications or adaptations.
Your teen may be appropriate for this pathway if they:
- have mastered the skills from Pathway 1.
- need assistance completing and turning in homework independently.
- require reminders or help for simple chores.
- struggle to make simple meals safely on their own in the kitchen.
- have difficulty managing money.
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Pathway 3: Community Mobility*
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The teen may be appropriate for this pathway if they:
- mastered skills from Pathways 1 and 2.
- can’t navigate safely and independently through the community using public transportation.
- need assistance making purchases on their own.
- are unable to read a map, use navigation systems, or to safely navigate on a bicycle.
- are unable to consistently follow multi-step directions.
- have challenges with verbal communication.
- require additional assistance with comprehension of materials from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
*This pathway is offered through Ada Therapy Services.
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Pathway 4: Clinical Assessment of Driving Related Skills
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The teen may be appropriate for this pathway if they:
- have mastered skills from Pathways 1, 2, and 3.
- can perform these skills consistently at home, at school and in the community without help or encouragement from you (parent/caregiver).
- verbalize feeling ready to drive.
- are able to receive and accept feedback regarding how to improve.
- are seizure-free for 3-plus months or as directed by their physician.
- have a current prescription for glasses or contacts, if required.
- can explain and advocate for their own needs.
- understand their diagnosis and possible limitations.
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Driving Rehabilitation
Comprehensive Evaluation and Training
St. Luke’s Driving Rehabilitation Program strives to provide high quality, valuable evaluation services provided by a licensed, registered occupational therapist with specialty training as a driving rehabilitation specialist.
If a person has experienced a medical event resulting in a neurological injury or shows signs of decline, affecting cognition, vision and/or motor skills due to aging or illness, a driving evaluation may be appropriate.